Lana (album)

Last updated

Lana
SZA - Lana.png
First cover art posted to social media
Studio album by
SZA
Label
Producer
SZA chronology
SOS
(2022)		Lana
(TBA)
Singles from Lana
  1. "Saturn"
    Released: February 22, 2024

Lana is the upcoming third studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It is scheduled to be released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. Originally planned as the deluxe edition of SZA's previous studio album, SOS (2022), Lana evolved into its own album that would consist solely of new music.

Contents

Background

Soon after the release of her highly acclaimed and commercially successful second studio album, SOS (2022), [1] [2] SZA began teasing a deluxe edition with a postscript at the end of an Instagram post, where she thanked everyone who helped make the album possible. [3] Reportedly composing the tracklist were ten songs intended for the standard edition, per the information SZA told Most Requested Live in January 2023 [4] and Billboard in February. [5] Later in September, she revealed Lana as the deluxe album's title. [6]

Snippets of several songs from the SOS sessions, like the SoundCloud-release "Joni" (2021), had been on the Internet for years prior to the announcement. Despite persistent calls from SZA and her fans to include certain highly awaited outtakes on the album, her record label's president, Punch, disagreed. This led to SZA's decision to put them on Lana instead. [7] Sometime after, she added to the tentative tracklist some songs that were recorded post-SOS. [8] One was the 2023-recorded "DTM (Diamond Boy)". [9]

Throughout the preparation for Lana's release, many of its tracks that were originally for SOS, including "Joni", leaked online. [10] On March 25, 2024, SZA addressed the leaking of three unspecified outtakes and promotional pictures for Lana, stating that she had considered legal action against those responsible. [11] After saying she would redo Lana from scratch, she clarified that the deluxe edition would now consist solely of the leaks and other select songs scrapped from SOS. [12] Lana was now a separate project and SZA's third studio album. [13]

Recording

SZA wrote and recorded over 100 songs for SOS within a timespan of five years. [14] [15] She and her collaborator, album producer Carter Lang, continued to make music after its release specifically for Lana, motivated by sporadic bursts of creativity. [9] By February 4, 2024, the day of the 2024 Grammy Awards, SZA told The Hollywood Reporter that the album was still "shaping itself" as she let her voice follow "whatever the [album]'s frequency [was]", though she refused to disclose more details. She reasoned that doing so would inadvertently change her creative direction for the album. [16]

During sessions for Lana, SZA found herself in a healthier mental state than when she recorded her past two albums. Her thinking shifted such that instead of being overly burdened by past hurt, she feels more ready to move on and let go. Finding solace in spiritual activities like meditation and yoga, she said that her growing sense of inner peace reflected on her music and songwriting. [17]

I'm not identifying with my brokenness ...Yeah, I experienced cruelty. I have to put it down at some point. Piece by piece, my music is shifting because of that, the lighter I get.

— SZA, December 2024 issue of British Vogue [17]

Aesthetic and title

The teasers for Lana suggest that its aesthetic will center around nature. [18] On December 10, 2023, SZA revealed six cover art variants for the album via Instagram, five of which show her among various flora and fauna. One shows her in a yellow camping tent; in another, she wears a headdress and bikini fashioned from leaves. In three others, she is handling farm animals. [3] [19] She has worn bug costumes in multiple publicized media, specifically an album teaser shown at two concerts [20] and a guest appearance at Hot Ones. [21]

The cover artworks were styled by frequent collaborator Alejandra Hernandez. SZA is portrayed as a "child of nature"; her outfits are particularly designed to evoke a visceral feeling of free-spiritedness. Amel Mukhatar of British Vogue described the style as Bohemian, specifically referencing the nonconformist African American hipsters of the 1940s. [17]

SZA, whose real name is Solána, used one of her nicknames to give SOS its title, [22] and the same was true for Lana. She got her nickname "Lana" at 13 years old, when she planned to have her first name tattooed on her. According to her, she had to pay $10 per letter, but having only $40, she used only the last four letters of "Solana" for her tattoo. [8]

Promotion

Release

The official announcement of Lana took place in Brooklyn Navy Yard, during a invite-only surprise party to celebrate the success of SOS. During the event, SZA performed four songs intended for the deluxe edition: "Saturn", "PSA", "DTM (Diamond Boy)", and "Boy from South Detroit". [23] She told Variety that the release would be unexpected, and she compared herself to Frank Ocean and André 3000 in that she was free to do whatever she wanted. [24] Elaborating on her decision to release another full album worth of material, she said that it had become more than expected and referred to the creative process as fun and did not spend too much time living in her "own head". [25] In June 2024, Time listed Lana as one of the most anticipated albums of the year. [26]

Back in 2023, when Lana was still the deluxe edition of SOS, SZA told fans that its release date would be in as late as December. This did not come true. [27] On Twitter the following month, Punch said that if more songs from Lana leaked online, the album could face further delays or even a possible cancellation. [28] When SZA appeared for the year-end issue of British Vogue's cover story, she supposedly said that Lana could be released in November or December 2024. [17]

Songs

Discussions about the lead single commenced in 2023, and "DTM (Diamond Boy)" was the first choice. However, its release date, and therefore Lana's, was postponed because promotion for SOS was still ongoing with its final single "Snooze". [9] [29] The actual lead single from Lana, "Saturn", was surprise-released on February 22, 2024, days after SZA performed it during a Mastercard advertisement on the 2024 Grammy Awards. [30] The performance was heavily nature-themed, and it featured a backdrop of tree and flower props. [31] [32]

SZA has teased two other songs believed to be from Lana, both while saying that the album was on the way and sharing nature-related visuals. On March 12, she posted a video on Instagram that shows her in a camping tent wearing nothing but a red bikini, captioned with the lyric "Never fight over community d". [33] [34] When she performed at a concert for BST Hyde Park on June 30, she flashed the album trailer on the stage screen before saying: "New album, you ready?" She shared the trailer online after the concert, singing the lyrics to a song publications called "Storytime". [20] [35] SZA revealed the official title to be "Cry Baby" at Lollapalooza Chicago on August 3. [36]

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"Blind" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a beatless R&B and folk-pop song, featuring an orchestral production that consists of acoustic guitars, violas, and trumpets. SZA's vocal performance combines a rap cadence and slow falsetto vocals, with added vocal runs. In the song, SZA explores the duality of love and muses on a former relationship, as she expresses her disappointment to a toxic past partner while also expressing her continued attraction to him. For the chorus, SZA admits her insecurities in spite of seeking validation through sex, feeling empty and unable to find self-love within herself as a result of a failed romance. "Blind" also incorporates several pop culture references to figures such as Bob Saget and Jesus.

"PSA" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA reported to appear on the deluxe edition of her 2022 second studio album, SOS. It is an orchestral song with a simple, stringed production, consisting of pianos and harps alongside vocal harmonies. The lyrics are delivered in a rap cadence and with braggadocio; SZA demands that people call her nothing but number-one and serve her, says she takes pleasure in angering people, and mocks those she views as "bottom feeders". "PSA" was used for the official teaser for SOS, yet despite this, the song did not appear on the final track list for the standard edition.

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"Nobody Gets Me" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fourth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was sent to Italian radio on January 6, 2023, and US contemporary hit radio four days later. The song peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian Hot 100, and the Official New Zealand Music Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kill Bill (SZA song)</span> 2023 single by SZA

"Kill Bill" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fifth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a pop and R&B murder ballad, built around a midtempo, groovy rhythm and a detuned melody. Guitars, a bassline, and a flute that was sampled from a Prophet-6 synthesizer constitute the song's production, which is influenced by the boom bap subgenre of hip hop. Mirroring the plot of the Kill Bill film duology (2003–2004) after which the song is named, the lyrics discuss a fantasy to kill an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend out of jealousy, and they employ humorous irony alongside violent imagery that contrasts with SZA's soft vocals. "Kill Bill" was sent to US radio on January 10, 2023, after achieving success on streaming services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snooze (song)</span> 2023 single by SZA

"Snooze" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the sixth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is an R&B and pop song with a midtempo rhythm, featuring an instrumental that consists of bass, guitars, drums, and synthesizers. The main vocals are complemented by several layers of harmonies beneath, and a riff appears at the song's beginning. The lyrics are about SZA's obsessive devotion to a love interest who does not reciprocate her intense feelings of yearning, despite her willingness to prove her love with violence. "Snooze" was sent to radio on April 25, 2023, and a four-track single was released on digital streaming platforms on August 25. An acoustic version featuring Justin Bieber followed on September 15.

"Ghost in the Machine" is a song by the American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring the American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers. The song is a ballad that falls within the indie pop and R&B genres; music critics described it as a cross between Bridgers's and SZA's respective sounds. Written in a conversational style, the lyrics express disillusionment with inauthentic relationships, the inhumane behavior of other people, and artificial intelligence. They also portray SZA asking her lover to provide an escape from a world she sees as having been consumed by vanity.

"Low" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second album, SOS (2022). It was written alongside Jozzy and producers Rob Bisel, Aire Atlantica, & Alessandro Buccellati, and features adlibs from fellow American singer and rapper Travis Scott. It charted in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, with a number 24 peak on the Billboard Global 200. The song received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th ceremony.

"F2F" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). "F2F" is a rock song that draws influence from genres such as country, pop rock, and grunge. SZA wrote the song with Lizzo, who provides background vocals, and producers Rob Bisel and Carter Lang. The song was one of around five rock-inspired songs SZA created for SOS, out of a desire to experiment with various genres outside of her usual R&B music. The song begins with acoustic guitar strums before transitioning into a chorus backed by drums and power chords from electric guitars. The lyrics talk about having sex with someone to cope with breaking up with a former partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SOS Tour</span> 2023–2024 concert tour by SZA

The SOS Tour was the second concert tour and first arena tour by American singer-songwriter SZA, in support of her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was announced on December 13 alongside merchandise for the album, four days after the album's release. The international tour took place in North America for the first and third legs, Europe for the second, and Oceania for the fourth, totalling to 63 shows.

"Open Arms" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring American rapper Travis Scott. It is a ballad backed by an acoustic guitar, conceived as part of an effort to explore soundscapes outside of SZA's usual R&B-leaning music. The lyrics are addressed to a former lover, whom the narrator leaves for the sake of her self-esteem despite her persistent feelings of attachment to him. A tribute to SZA's deceased grandmother, Norma Rowe, begins the song, done in the form of a skit; Rowe's vocals featured prominently on SZA's debut album, Ctrl (2017)

"Joni" is an unreleased song by American singer-songwriter SZA intended for the deluxe version of her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring a yet-to-be-announced artist. A trap song inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, "Joni" combines realist and idealist writing styles, discussing SZA's love for her family and desire to overcome challenges in pursuit of perfection. The song was originally uploaded to SoundCloud on August 22, 2021, and is a leaked outtake from SOS's standard edition.

"DTM" is an upcoming song by American singer-songwriter SZA, reported to appear on her third studio album, Lana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saturn (SZA song)</span> 2024 single by SZA

"Saturn" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and reportedly the lead single of her upcoming third studio album, Lana (2024). It is a song about nihilism and escapism, discussing one's lamentations about why bad things happen to good people and wishes to leave Earth for another planet, Saturn, where they could possibly live a better life. "Saturn" features a twinkly instrumental, a result of a combination of arpeggios and beaming synthesizers. The song was surprise-released on February 22, 2024, after its official debut at the year's Grammy Awards ceremony over two weeks prior. "Saturn" is nominated at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance.

References

  1. ↑ Anderson, Trevor (December 9, 2023). "1 Year of SOS: 8 Records & Achievements for SZA's Blockbuster Album". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  2. ↑ Ampil, Izzy (February 3, 2023). "How SZA Rose from Indie Favorite to National No. 1". BuzzFeed News . Archived from the original on September 24, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  3. 1 2 Calfee, Joel (December 11, 2023). "SZA Teases New Music with Mysterious Farm Photos on Instagram". Harper's Bazaar . Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  4. ↑ Richards, Will (February 25, 2023). "SZA to release 10 unheard songs on deluxe version of 'SOS'". NME. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  5. ↑ Richards, Will (February 25, 2023). "SZA to release 10 unheard songs on deluxe version of SOS". NME . Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  6. ↑ Lyttle, Zoey; Blanchet, Brenton (September 9, 2023). "SZA Announces Deluxe Version of Sophomore Album SOS — Titled Lana — Featuring '7 to 10' New Songs". People . Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  7. ↑ Aswad, Jem (February 22, 2023). "SZA to Release Deluxe Edition of SOS with 10 Bonus Tracks". Variety . Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  8. 1 2 Aswad, Jem (December 11, 2023). "SZA's New Album Lana: Everything We Know So Far". Variety . Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 Conteh, Mankaprr (October 3, 2023). "What's Behind SZA's Biggest Year Yet? Work, Wonder, and 'Weird Shit'" . Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  10. ↑ Aswad, Jem (March 27, 2024). "SZA to Release Leaked Songs as Deluxe Edition of 'SOS,' Will Remake Delayed 'Lana' LP 'From Scratch'". Variety. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  11. ↑ "SZA Says Leakers Forced Her to Restart 'Lana' Project 'From Scratch,' Will Compile Leaks for 'SOS' Deluxe". www.complex.com. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  12. ↑ Schube, Will (March 26, 2024). "SZA Says She's Remaking Lana Deluxe from Scratch Due to Song Leaks". HipHopDX . Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  13. ↑ Zemler, Emily (March 27, 2024). "SZA Will Release 'Leaks and Outtakes' from 'SOS' as Deluxe LP to Focus on Next Project". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
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  15. ↑ Rowley, Glenn (October 17, 2022). "SZA Reveals She Recorded 'A Hundred' Songs for Sophomore Album, Which She Says Is Coming 'Any Day'". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  16. ↑ Williams, Kyann-Sian (February 12, 2024). "SZA on New Album Lana : 'I Want to Allow It to Finish Shaping Itself'". NME . Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Mukhtar, Amel (November 14, 2024). "'I'm Not Meant to Be Famous, I Just Keep Trying to Rise to the Occasion': SZA Gives Her Most Revealing Interview to Date". British Vogue . Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  18. ↑ "SZA Teases An Earthy New Era With "Storytime"". Nylon. July 1, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  19. ↑ Geraghty, Hollie (December 11, 2023). "SZA reveals Lana cover art, celebrates one-year anniversary of SOS". NME. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  20. 1 2 Staff, Wonderland (July 1, 2024). "SZA Teases New Album, Lana". Wonderland. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  21. ↑ Squires, Bethy (September 25, 2024). "SZA Is Tired of Not Being a Bug". Vulture. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  22. ↑ Gumede, Bongeka; Tshabalala, Gugulethu (January 20, 2023). "One Album, Two Takes: SZA's Latest Offering Is a Stellar Follow-Up to Ctrl". Mail & Guardian . Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  23. ↑ Kelly, Tyler Damara (September 11, 2023). "SZA Reveals Forthcoming Deluxe Edition of Her Album, SOS, Is Called Lana". The Line of Best Fit . Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
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  25. ↑ Trapp, Malcolm (November 29, 2023). "SZA Says She Can Drop Lana Randomly Because "No One's Actually Expecting" It". Rap-Up . Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
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  27. ↑ Aswad, Jem (March 27, 2024). "SZA to Release Leaked Songs as Deluxe Edition of 'SOS,' Will Remake Delayed 'Lana' LP 'From Scratch'". Variety. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  28. ↑ Rosenbloom, Alli (January 8, 2024). "SZA Is Over People Leaking Her Music". CNN . Archived from the original on January 15, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
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  30. ↑ Espinoza, Joshua (February 23, 2024). "SZA Surprises Fans with Official 'Saturn' Release, Complete with Live Rendition". Complex . Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  31. ↑ Spanos, Brittany (February 5, 2024). "SZA Debuts Lush New Song 'Saturn' During Grammys Commercial" . Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  32. ↑ Thomas, Carly (February 5, 2024). "SZA Sings 'Snooze' and 'Kill Bill' During Fierce Grammys Performance". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  33. ↑ Gonzalez, Alex (March 13, 2024). "SZA Sings About 'Community D*ck' on a New Snippet Teasing Lana, Which Is 'Bout to Drop'". Uproxx . Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  34. ↑ Moore, Sam (March 13, 2024). "SZA Fuels Excitement for SOS Deluxe with Racy Video Teaser". HipHopDX . Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  35. ↑ Peters, Daniel (June 30, 2024). "SZA teases new album at BST Hyde Park headline set with song snippet". NME. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  36. ↑ Legaspi, Althea; Corcoran, Nina; Richardson, Kalia (August 3, 2024). "Stray Kids 'ATE,' SZA and Zedd Drop New Songs at Lollapalooza Day Two" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
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